School Holiday Deals & Experiences
Book your ultimate family holiday today!
Going with the family?
We’re often asked about school holiday travel and with good reason. It’s a great way to get out there and experience the world with your family.
There are a variety of tours, cruises and experiences that cater for those travelling in numbers. Check out some of our favourites below!
Cherone Wilson
House of Travel Howick
Travel has been a constant in my life since my OE started with a classic Contiki trip through Europe, followed by working in London and traveling through the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. I also spent a year working in Iceland—a now trendy travel hotspot—before returning to New Zealand.
In 2000, my family moved to the middle east living in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which provided an exciting base for exploring nearby destinations. We had unforgettable holidays in Austria, France, the UK, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.
Returning to New Zealand marked a new chapter of travel, this time without children. Recent adventures have included Vietnam, India, China, Peru, and Cambodia.
My travel career started with Singapore Airlines and since 2019 I’ve been consulting at House of Travel in Howick. I love talking and connecting with clients, listening to their travel dreams and turning them into memorable experiences.
Whether you're looking for an island getaway, relaxing cruise or an exciting adventure, I’m here to help you plan the perfect trip.
Travel is an adventure that brings the world to life.
Cherone
Jo McLaughlin
House of Travel Papamoa
Hi, I’m Jo and I joined the House of Travel Papamoa team in April 2022 not long after the borders opened and it’s fair to say it’s been crazy busy ever since! No two days are the same and I thrive working in a fast-paced environment. I have been working in Travel for around 10 years and started in January 2009 at Flight Centre Mt Maunganui and then moved to Auckland in 2011 to step into a management role to open their new retail store in Royal Oak. I then moved back to the Tauranga area in early 2013 and opened the Flight Centre in Bayfair. Opening two of Flight Centre’s stores gave me an incredible learning experience and insight into building a business and taking it to incredible heights! I was also in charge of training multiple new to the industry staff members. Before Travel I worked in banking for 4 and half years both in the retail branch and the business banking team.
I have great attention to detail, excellent communication skills and am down to earth, friendly and approachable. I love meeting new people and building relationships with my clients. I love putting together itineraries and working closely with you to find your perfect fit.
I'm passionate about travel to Canada and the UK. As I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and London for nearly 3 years on Working Holidays. I’ve also spent 3 weeks in Egypt and over 6 weeks in South America. I’ve travelled on my own to Asia and then jumped on an Intrepid Cambodia tour. I have also done a 28 day Topdeck Camping trip around Europe and travelled independently using Eurail passes and the Eurostar. Along with many other exciting adventures!
My partner Duncan and I
have two children, a son 10 and daughter 9. We have been on family
holidays to Bali and Fiji, staying at Plantation Island and the Naviti on the
Coral Coast. Duncan and I also experienced a Viking ocean cruise (adults only)
and absolutely loved it! I have just returned from visiting Darwin, Litchfield
and Kakadu National Parks in the Northern Territory, taking the Ghan from
Darwin to Adelaide. I was very fortunate to take a scenic flight over
Uluru and Kata Tjuta – just breathtaking!
We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block. We love the outdoors and taking advantage of the many wonderful things on offer here in the Tauranga area.
I’d love to help you plan your next trip and look forward to hearing from you.
Carmel Layton
House of Travel Nelson
Hi, I’m Carmel Layton. Travel has been a huge part of my life from my first trip overseas as a 6 year old to travelling independently in my twenties and I have travelled to over 72 countries around the world, it has always been a key ingredient in my life.
I am an experienced and passionate travel professional with over 15 years in the industry. From a short South Pacific getaway to a trip around the globe, I look forward to helping you realise your travel dreams.
Claire Jones
House of Travel Devonport
?? Hello to all my
valued clients—old and new! ??
I’m truly passionate about helping people turn their travel
dreams into reality, and I’m thrilled to embark on many more exciting
conversations with you about all things travel!
As the Cruise Master at our store, I’m proud to have earned
my CLIA cruise certification, bringing you expert guidance for your next
voyage.
Whether you’re a familiar face or someone I haven’t had the
pleasure of meeting yet, I’m here to support your travel journey, no matter how
big or small. With 27 years of experience in the travel industry, I’ve had the
privilege of exploring some of the world’s most incredible destinations—Europe,
Asia, the Pacific Islands, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and
unforgettable cruises. ??
Travel is more than just a job for me—it’s a true passion. I
love sharing my adventures, insights, and tips with others. There’s no better
time to explore the world than now. Life is short, and travel creates memories
that last forever, leaving you with nothing but joy and no regrets. ??
I invite you to stop by anytime, say hello, and let’s start planning your next adventure! I can't wait to help you create experiences that will last a lifetime. ??
Claire
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